PARESIS - Paresis is an incomplete form of paralysis. With help getting up, for example, a pet with paresis can support itself.

ASCENDING PARESIS, PARALYSIS - The condition starts in the hindquarters and progressively moves forwards to the front limbs and head.

SHIVERING and TREMBLING - Shivering is actually a high-frequency contraction and relaxation of muscles while tremors involve repetitive rhythmic oscillations. Both are involuntary.

COMA - A pet in a coma is unconscious and cannot be aroused.

STUPOR - A pet is unconscious but can temporarily be aroused before falling back into its stupor.

CONCUSSION - This is a result of a physical blow to the head. A concussed pet may be unconscious for only seconds but also much longer. Concussion kills brain cells.

CONTUSION - A contusion is brain bruising which may or may not be associated with loss of consciousness. A contused pet is temporarily dazed, confused and wobbly but quickly recovers.

SEIZURE - A generalised seizure involves a loss of consciousness accompanied by involuntary activities such as muscle contractions, paddling with the limbs, trembling and face twitching. During a seizure pets frequently salivate, urinate and defecate. The pupils are dilated. A partial seizure involves only some of these changes and does not necessarily include loss of consciousness. Seizures are the most common brain condition we treat.

CONVULSION - This word is used interchangeably with "seizure" or "fit".

FIT - This word is used interchangeably with "seizure" or convulsion".

EPILEPSY - A disturbance in electrical activity in the brain that causes a seizure-fit-convulsion.